Nebraska Official State Travel Guide - Nebraska 2026 Official State Travel Guide
Sandhills
2025-11-18 06:33:52
Home to the Niobrara National Scenic River, this region’s visual landscape and ecological diversity create a natural getaway.
WHAT TO DO
In Valentine, bring your clubs to golf at The Prairie Club, or go on a Sandhills bison tour at Golden Prairie Bison. Campers are welcome to stay on the ranch as well. For river adventures, rent canoes, kayaks and tubes from Niobrara Adventures in Niobrara or Glidden Canoe Rental in Mullen to explore at your own pace. In Taylor, seek out “The Villagers,” over 120 life-sized paintings representing the townsfolk. Explore the Museum of Nebraska Major League Baseball in St. Paul to discover the state’s rich legacy of iconic ballplayers, like Wade Boggs, Bob Gibson and Richie Ashburn. The Golden Husk in Ord features family movies, concerts, community theater and more. Valentine’s Broken Spoke Boutique offers vintage clothing, jewelry and all sorts of accessories and souvenirs.
WHERE TO STAY
Step into 1950s charm in Bassett at Bassett Lodge and Range Cafe, known as the cattleman’s “home away from home” during its heyday. Hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, paddling the Niobrara River — whatever adventures are calling you to Valentine, The Niobrara Lodge is the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.
WHERE TO EAT
In Loup City? Don’t miss **Loup City Diner’**s all-American comfort food. If you’re craving pizza, try a variety of homemade pies at the Pizza Palace in Burwell, or choose from over a dozen brick-oven pizzas at The Tipsy Pine Pizza Pub in Long Pine.
WHERE TO DRINK
At Double T Bar & Steakhouse in Halsey, order up a cold one with dinner as locals swap stories. See the vines and taste the wines at Niobrara Valley Vineyards in Nenzel. Pop into Kinkaider Brewing Co. in Broken Bow for beer on tap and a craveable food menu. Enjoy a pint of craft beer at Ord’s award-winning Scratchtown Brewing Company, the Sandhills’ first brewery. Choose from varieties such as the Wonder Twins double IPA and Mike Ultra low-calorie lager.
SANDHILLS MUST-SEES
The Nebraska Sandhills offer a one of- a-kind backdrop to your outdoor adventures. Hit the water at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area. Trek the 321-mile Cowboy Trail on horseback, bike or foot. See native flora and fauna at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.
- Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, Valentine
- Scratchtown Brewing Co., Ord
- Mignery Sculpture Garden, Bartlett
- Calamus Reservoir, Burwell
- Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine
- The Golden Husk, Ord
- Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger District), Halsey
- Cowboy Trail/Cowboy Trail Bridge, Norfolk to Valentine
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Sandhills
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